Before Pequea Valley High School (PVHS) juniors and seniors entered the school gymnasium where the third annual First Choice Career Fair, featuring representatives from 55 local businesses, was held on Feb. 7, they were given specific instructions from school principal John Trovato.

"Representatives from these companies are excited to meet you," Trovato told the students. "I know there are a lot of things in life you cannot control, but you can definitely control making a good impression today by handling yourselves the right way," he added. Then, Trovato reminded the students of the specific actions that were expected of them. "Walk up, make eye contact, shake hands, engage in conversation," said Trovato. "These are conversations that could impact the next year or two and maybe beyond that." Trovato then relayed to the students that some attendees walked out of the 2024 fair having received job offers following a 15-minute conversation. "Take advantage of the opportunities created for you today," he stated. "This is tailor-made for you guys."

The creator of the First Choice Career Fair is Pequea Valley School District (PVSD) First Choice coordinator Jared Erb. "Erb is phenomenal at building relationships with all these companies," said PVSD assistant superintendent Rich Eby, who explained that students in the district are expected to put a career plan together by eighth grade. "We call that their postsecondary first choice," said Eby, who added that by ninth grade, students should know their first choice and be ready to start taking part in job shadow experiences. "It's been very successful," noted Eby.

Assistant principal Amy Koberstein greeted students and other attendees as they entered the gymnasium. She pointed out that the fair is a step in the district's goal for each student. "The mission of the district is for every kid to at least know what the next thing (in life) is (by the time they graduate)," she said. "It's OK if it changes, but (it's important) to know what the next steps are because there's nothing more overwhelming for a kid walking across the graduation stage than not knowing what's next."

The First Choice Discovery Program, also overseen by Erb, is a work-based program offering career exploration and mentoring to PVHS students. About a year ago, area resident Mike Sensenig signed on to mentor a young man and met Edgar Gonzalez Martinez, who is now a senior at the school. A few weeks prior to the fair, Sensenig heard from Gonzalez Martinez. "I got a well-written email, and he had questions about future planning," recalled Sensenig. Mentor and mentee arranged to visit the fair and met up outside the auditorium where they heard Trovato's instructions together. Before entering the fair, Gonzalez Martinez discussed his future plans. "My first choice is to go into business," he stated. "I have been looking into human resources or accounting." Gonzalez Martinez said his strategy is to work in business to get the experience he needs before possibly starting his own enterprise. He will attend Shippensburg University to major in business in the fall. "Today, I hope to talk to people who are in business and find out what my next steps should be, what to look into, and see what I really like," he said.

Sensenig was impressed. "You are on a good course, and you've thought things through," he told Gonzalez Martinez. "I see you doing extremely well." Sensenig added, "I don't think you need anything from me but encouragement and helping you connect with some people here. I'm excited about your future."

Sophomore Micah Lacorte, who is still in the early stages of his career planning, attended the fair and visited with the representatives there. He said he would like to do something related to sports, but noted he is also looking into mechanics. "Those are things I like," he stated, adding, "I like the fair because everyone has the opportunity to get to know (the businesses) around the area."

Readers who would like to know more about the First Choice program at PVHS may email Erb at jared_erb@pequeavalley.org.